I went chaga hunting around McGinnis Creek, armed with snowshoes, a saw, and a thermos of tea. Between faceplants and squirrel arguments, I found a few golden treasures growing on birch trees. This solo foraging trip reminded me why I love the bush—even when it's -12°C and the snow tries to eat your boots.

The Forager’s Notebook is coming soon—and no, it’s not a plant ID guide. It’s a journal for recording your wild finds, tracking seasonal growth, and making sense of your foraging life one mushroom at a time. With 135 entry pages and 20 wild food recipes, it’s the perfect companion for anyone who loves wandering the woods and wondering what’s edible. Funny, practical, and made by a fellow homesteader who’s been there (and sometimes gotten stung).

The Casio G-Shock DW-5600BB-1 isn’t just a watch—it’s a homesteading workhorse. From chopping firewood to fixing fences, fishing, and even surviving inside a deer during hunting season (yes, really), this watch has taken a beating and kept perfect time. With shock resistance, 200m water resistance, a bright backlight, and a rugged design, it’s built for the toughest jobs. If you need a reliable, no-nonsense watch that thrives in mud, rain, and hard work, this G-Shock is the one.

Wild food is rugged, nutrient-dense, and full of surprises, while store-bought food is convenient and predictable. But which one is better for you? From tiny but powerful wild blueberries to bitter dandelion greens packed with vitamins, this post breaks down the real nutritional differences between foraged and store-bought foods. Whether you’re picking mushrooms in the woods or grabbing spinach at the store, you’ll learn what’s truly the better choice—and have a few laughs along the way!

Ever wondered if you could turn your love of canning into a profitable side hustle? Selling homemade canned goods can be a great way to make extra income—but before you start slinging jars of jam, there are some important things to know. From food safety laws to pricing strategies and where to sell, this guide covers everything you need to get started. Plus, I’ll share some hard-earned tips (and mistakes) from my own experience in the world of homestead canning sales!

I used to think cast iron was too much work—too heavy, too high-maintenance. Then I gave it a shot, and now I’ll never go back to flimsy nonstick pans. Cast iron lasts forever, gets better with use, and works on any heat source—even a campfire. It sears meat like a pro, bakes the crispiest cornbread, and won’t flake toxic chemicals into your food. If you’re not cooking with cast iron yet, you’re seriously missing out. Here’s why you need one!

I used to think I’d remember everything about my homestead—until I didn’t. Enter the homestead journal: part planner, part disaster log, and 100% lifesaver. From tracking planting dates to recording the time a raccoon outsmarted me (again), this little book has saved me more times than I can count. Whether you want to avoid past mistakes, plan ahead, or just document the chaos, a homestead journal is a must. Future you will thank you—probably while shaking their head at past you’s choices.

As the snow melts, nature’s first edible greens start popping up, ready for eager foragers. From dandelions to wild garlic, these early plants bring fresh flavor back to the table. In this post, I’ll share five must-forage wild edibles, plus easy recipes to turn them into delicious meals. Grab your Forager’s Notebook—spring foraging season is here!

Ice fishing isn’t just about dropping a line through the ice—it’s about strategy, patience, and the reward of fresh fish in the dead of winter. Whether you're jigging for walleye or setting tip-ups for pike, having the right gear, bait, and technique makes all the difference. And if you’ve got a warm shack with a wood stove, you can cook your catch right there on the ice. Grab your rods, call some friends, and get ready for the ultimate winter fishing experience!

Discover why Royal Canadian Cornhole makes the best custom cornhole boards in Canada! Featured in the Winnipeg Free Press and trusted by the World Police and Fire Games, their handcrafted boards deliver top-tier quality and professional playability. Perfect for backyard fun, tournaments, and custom designs. Learn more now!

I’ve also found that having a well-stocked pantry encourages creativity in the kitchen. When you’re working with what you have, you come up with combinations you might never have tried otherwise. Some of my favorite recipes have been born out of a “pantry challenge” on a quiet evening.

If you’re anything like me, you don’t let good things go to waste—especially something as flavorful and versatile as pickle juice. Whether it’s the brine from homemade pickles or the last bit left in a store-bought jar, I’ve found plenty of creative ways to put it to use.

Life has a funny way of testing us when we least expect it. Just when everything seems to be going right, an obstacle can pop up out of nowhere, threatening to derail our progress and sap our motivation. Staying motivated in the face of these challenges is no easy task—trust me, I’ve been there more times than I care to admit.

Now, I’ll admit—it’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it. Let me walk you through how to survive and even thrive during a no-spend month, from planning and setting rules to overcoming challenges and celebrating your wins.

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant issue in northwestern Ontario, but it’s not insurmountable. By understanding the unique challenges of our region and taking proactive steps to boost your levels, you can maintain your health and well-being year-round.

Homesteading is a journey filled with ups and downs, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade a single mishap because they’ve shaped the homesteader I am today. If you’re just starting out, I hope my experiences help you avoid some of the common pitfalls and make your own journey a little smoother.

Whether it’s planting herbs on a windowsill, preserving jam from foraged berries, or creating a community composting initiative, every small step contributes to a larger movement. With creativity, determination, and growing support from government policies, apartment homesteading isn’t just a trend—it’s shaping the future of sustainable living.

In pursuing food security, we’re not only ensuring that our families have what they need to thrive but also fostering a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the rewards of sustainable living. Through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovation, we become more than just consumers; we become active participants in our own survival and wellbeing.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a simple yet powerful addition to your winter diet. They provide numerous benefits that support the body and mind through the colder months, helping to boost immunity, improve mood, reduce joint pain, support heart health, and keep skin hydrated—all essential during winter.

Grouse hunting is one of the great joys of fall in northwestern Ontario. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about the time spent in the woods, the challenge of spotting these elusive birds, and the satisfaction of bringing home a wild game dinner. Whether you’re hunting for the first time or have been doing this for years, following these tips will improve your chances of success and make your time in the field more enjoyable.

Foraging is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy wild foods, but it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. By learning to identify plants accurately, foraging in clean and legal areas, and practicing sustainable harvesting, you can enjoy the rewards of foraging without putting yourself or the environment at risk.

Incorporating these foraged items into your holiday cooking is not only a creative way to celebrate the season, but it’s also sustainable, cost-effective, and a great conversation starter when you’re serving family and friends.

As homesteaders, we’re always looking for ways to simplify our lives while living in harmony with the land. Smart meal planning with leftover use is a key piece of that puzzle, helping us balance the demands of the homestead while ensuring we’re feeding our families in a sustainable and thoughtful way.

For homesteaders looking for affordable, customizable eyewear, Zenni is a great option. Just be mindful of the quirks that come with high-tech lenses like the Eyeqlenz. After all, as homesteaders, we’re no strangers to adapting and making things work—whether it’s in the garden, the barn, or with our tech!

Whether you’re printing for your family, your work, or just for fun, HP Instant Ink takes the hassle out of the equation. You’ll never run out of ink, never have to drive hours just to restock, and your prints will look professional every time. Plus, with flexible subscription plans, you can tailor the service to your needs without breaking the bank.

These homestead craft projects are the perfect way to embrace the slower pace of fall while still staying creative and productive. Whether you’re foraging for materials, repurposing old items, or learning a new skill, these projects bring a little bit of handmade warmth into your home as the weather turns colder.

As more and more people realize the benefits of this way of living, it’s clear that homesteading isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. And whether you’re on a small plot of land or making the most of your urban backyard, the rewards of homesteading are real, tangible, and within reach for anyone willing to give it a try.

Prepping your garden for winter may take a little effort, but it’s well worth it. You’ll thank yourself come spring when your soil is healthy, your plants are protected, and you’re ready to get growing again.

With its high protein content and rich flavor, ruffed grouse is a nutritious and delicious addition to your table. Whether you’re pan-frying it with garlic and herbs or grilling up some kabobs, this wild game bird is versatile enough to impress even the most discerning palate.